4 Signs It Is Time For Water Heater Replacement | Chester, VA

2/28/2021

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Down in your basement sits a major appliance that you probably don’t think much about. In fact, most Chester, VA homeowners don’t think about their water heaters much, at least until something goes wrong with them. A flooded basement or a lack of hot water will have you thinking about whether or not it is time for water heater replacement very quickly. The goal however is to consider water heater replacement before you find yourself in an emergency situation. Figuring out when you should replace your water heater can be tough, especially if you don’t know much about it.

If you moved into your Chester, VA home within the last decade you may not have been the one to purchase it making it even harder to know how old it is and whether water heater replacement should be on your upgrade list yet. Lucky if you are paying attention there are a few signs that should indicate it may be something to consider. Now that we have your attention, take a minute to read over these common signs that it is time for water heater replacement. If you notice any of these it may not be a bad idea to give a plumber a call.

You Can’t Remember When the Water Heater Was Installed

If you truly have not thought about your water heater until you started to read this blog, it may be a good idea to have a plumber come out to your home to inspect your water heater. The only way to get a full lifespan out of a water heater is usually with proper maintenance and inspection. You may not need water heater replacement, but an inspection can give you a good idea of how much time you probably have left so you can budget appropriately. It may also help you catch a problem before it causes a larger problem. Like most things, repair visits are always cheaper than emergency visits so it is worth it to be proactive about the situation and have your water heater looked at.

On the other hand, if you do know how old your system is and it is over 12-15 years of age then it is time to heavily start considering water heater replacement. This is even more true if you have been experiencing problems with your hot water lately. Water heaters only usually last up to 12-15 years, and even if they last longer stop performing as well. Technology has come a long way in the last decade, so you are likely paying a lot more to run your current water heater versus purchasing a new model that is much more energy-efficient. If you want to reduce your bills and have an old water heater it may be time to consider upgrading.

High Water Bills

Speaking of which, abnormally high energy bills could indicate that your water heater is not working as efficiently as it should be. Depending on whether you have a gas or electric water heater, a sudden jump in your bills that cannot be explained by anything else may indicate that it is time to replace your water heater. Like most things it is a good idea to talk it over with a plumber first so you ensure you replace it with a model that will solve your problems.

Drop In Hot Water Supply

Are you slowly noticing that you have to rush through your morning shower to get out before the hot water runs out? If your hot water supply is running out faster than it used to this is a clear sign that something is wrong with your hot water heater. Every so once in a while, you can catch a water heater at the end of a cycle and get stuck in a lukewarm shower, but if it starts happening all of the time then it is time to do something about it. Water heater replacement is probably your best bet unless you enjoy turning your shower into a game every morning or not.

Red Tint In Your Hot Water

Your water should never be colored, if you notice any tint to your water then this is an indication that something is wrong and you need to call a plumber. Rent-tinted water is usually caused by the rust in the water supply. The first thing you should do is check to see if it is in both the hot and cold water taps. If you notice it in both there is a good chance that something is wrong with your water supply. Give your neighbors a call and see if they are having the same issue. If they are it’s time to call the city water department, if they are not then it is time to call your plumber.

On the other hand, if you notice that the red tint is only showing up in your hot water this is a sign that the water heater is probably rusting inside. You can’t see inside of your water tank which is what allows it to rust under your nose. However, when you start to see rust-colored water it is time to take action. You can’t repair corrosion or remove rust so once you see any water heater replacement will be your only choice. It should be noted that corrosion can start to show up on the outside of your tank as well. While it may not affect the water, if you see corrosion on the outside there is probably a good chance that it is on the inside as well.

If you have noticed any of the above signs or spotted a leak near your water heater, then give bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of Richmond a call. We regularly come out to the area to help residents with their water heaters, and would be glad to take a good look at yours to determine if water heater replacement should be on your radar.